UPDATE: Two individuals have been arrested and charged with felony identity theft in connection with a case involving a Mira Monte woman, authorities confirm. The arrests were made on November 29, 2023, as the suspects were apprehended in Newbury Park, just days after the victim reported her stolen purse containing credit cards.
The suspects, a 27-year-old Carpinteria man and a 26-year-old Port Hueneme woman, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including using someone else’s identifying information without authorization. According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the victim, a 41-year-old resident, had her purse stolen from her driveway on November 11, leading to fraudulent charges made across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Detectives launched an investigation following the theft, utilizing various tools to identify the suspects. The Carpinteria man was initially arrested on November 23 for unrelated charges but was subsequently charged with identity theft after being linked to the case. Following this, the Port Hueneme woman was located and arrested on November 29, where officers found substantial evidence linking both suspects to the identity theft.
The Carpinteria man is currently held on a total bail of $250,000, while the Port Hueneme woman faces a bail set at $90,000. Both are being detained in separate facilities at Ventura County Jail. They are scheduled for an early disposition conference on December 11 and a preliminary examination on December 15 at the Ventura County Superior Court.
This case underscores the growing concerns over identity theft and the impact on victims, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and security measures. As this investigation continues, authorities urge residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and ensure your personal information is secure to prevent such incidents.
